Will they ever come together....

I still think of Wheeling Park High as the "new" school. I'm a graduate of the old Triadelphia High which was one of those consolidated away when WPHS was built. I remember the wars in Ohio County as "consolidation" was debated--and for many it was an acrimonious debate. More than 30 years later, there are still many who talk about the "good old days" when we had 3 public schools in the county and great sports battles were fought between us.

So, I understand how difficult the idea of consolidating schools is in Belmont County. There are so many glory stories for each of those schools--Purple Riders, Big Reds, and more.

But logic suggests--and has for years--that at least SOME consoidation--should occur. Newspaperman Mike Myers tackled the topic in his column this week and hits the nail pretty much on the head.

Along the riverfront in Belmont County, there are high schools in Martins Ferry, Bridgeport, Bellaire and Shadyside. It is possible to get in a car at Shadyside High, drive to the high schools in Bellaire and Bridgeport, then proceed to Martins Ferry - and complete the journey in half an hour.

Clearly, some consolidation of school districts in Ohio could benefit the bottom line. Belmont County does not need seven public school districts. What's wrong with two or three? (Wheeling Sunday N-R 2/14/10)

I have often thought a Riverfront District of Shadyside, Bellaire, Bridgeport, and Martins Ferry as well as a Western District with St. Clairsville, Union Local, and Barnesville would make sense.

Yes. Consolidation involves significant upfront costs. And the staffing savings may not be as big as some suggest--you still need administrators, teachers, service personell for the same number of students. But in the end, consolidated districts are better for the students, the finances, and the taxpayers.

What do you think.Vote in the poll to the right.

Comments

["From The Woods"]

Consolidation is never an easy topic for schools. Too much tradition, too much emotion but with today's budgetary restraints it really is the only way to go. As an administrator I've heard and still hear the long lasting conversations and the "good ole days" talk that are entrenched. Ohio is in a more difficult position. Not only are they looking at potential school consolidation but are first attmpting district consolidation. Yes, its true that first districts will consolidate and after that schools will merge as well. This question will lead movement. Can Ohio afford the current education structure?